Have a Suggestion?

What is the conversion?

What if you use cable or satellite?

Why are we having this change?

What are my options?

Are there any concerns?

Are there any exceptions to this conversion?

Where can I get a box and how much will it cost?

How do I install a box?

How do I dispose of my old TV?

Summary and Contact Information

Websites and More Information

What is the conversion?
In February 2009, all TV broadcasts will switch from the older system of broadcast - analog - to the newer system of broadcast - digital. That means that any set that depends on antenna for reception will not work.
*see Exceptions below

There are many people who have TVs that use antenna. Seniors make up a significant part of that group. A converter box has been developed that will allow these TVs to continue to work. February 17, 2009 will be the last day TVs with antenna will continue to work without a converter box. The converter box will receive digital signals and convert them into analog format for display on your analog TV; however, you will probably not receive the original digital quality.

What if you use cable or satellite?
If you use cable or satellite service or have a digital television, a converter box will probably not be necessary. Thanks to a compromise adopted by the Federal Communications Commission in September 2007, cable companies will carry the main digital signal of “must carry” commercial broadcast TV stations and will duplicate that signal into analog format so that all channels can be viewed on any older analog TV sets connected to cable. 

However, to receive the best quality picture, you may need additional equipment as well. Your cable or satellite company can give you further guidance on what changes, if any, you will need to make. Most people will not need to change anything with cable or satellite.

Additionally, local broadcasters will be able to offer additional digital channels, some or all of which might not be carried by your service. If you want to see such channels, you would need an antenna, and your set would need a DTV tuner built-in or added on via a converter. A website has been set up to help you determine the proper outdoor antenna to use in order to receive your local television broadcast channels and/or to enhance your DTV viewing, should you need or want to.

More Information About Outside Antennas

Why are we having this change?
The federal government has mandated this change. They regulate the use of the air space used for communication. The newer digital transmissions are more efficient and take up less air space. The government would like to free up air space to use for emergency transmissions and a portion will be sold to broadband wireless providers. Making this conversion will do that.

What are my options?
There are several available options if you have an analog TV.

• buy a converter box that will plug into your current TV
• buy a digital TV
• connect the analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service

Are there any concerns?
There are three major concerns with this program.

• The first concern, is that $40 may not cover the cost of the needed box and some low-income seniors or those on fixed incomes might find it difficult to make up the difference.
• The second concern is that those living in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or other type establishments are currently excluded from those eligible to receive the coupons. They must live in a "household". The above listed residences are considered "group quarters" and not "households". Consequently, those living in these residences will have to pay the entire cost of the converter box. This is a particular problem for those who have no family or friends to help them afford the purchase price of a converter box. Aging advocates are trying to address this issue. Contact your state Congressional representative if you would like your voice to be heard.
• The third concern is that the TV stations that simulcast on local radio stations may not continue to be able to do so. This would be very important during an emergency situation. The public has come to depend on this service for critical emergency information. Analog radio would continue to work, but there would be no simulcasts from the TV station to the radio. This is an issue that needs to be considered more in-depth.

Are there any exceptions to this conversion?
Some smaller TV stations will not make the switch to digital at all. The cost to buy the equipment needed for digital broadcasts exceeds the budget for many small stations that already made the investment for equipment for analog broadcasts. Typically, these stations are low-power senders. These small stations operate under different rules that exclude them from the actual DTV transition. However, the government is offering some financial assistance to low-power stations that want to convert. So, if you currently watch a low-power station, call them to find out whether or not they will convert.

If you use a converter box and try to access a low-power station that has not converted, the box may interfere with the analog signal from these smaller stations.

There are several options for consumers who want to continue to watch their low-power station in analog.

• Purchase a new set - most new sets have both digital and analog tuners. Ask at the store where the purchase is made whether the set chosen has both analog and digital tuners.
• Purchase a converter box with a “pass through” option - that allows the analog signal to pass through the box when it’s turned off. Three converter boxes with this option have been certified by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. (list)
• Purchase and set up a switch and splitter - to be able to switch back and forth from reception directly through the television or through the converter box.

Consumers that buy converter boxes without pass through options, and who do not do the splitter/switch option, will have to disconnect their boxes if they want to switch back to watch analog programming.

More Information About Low Power Stations

Where can I get a box and how much will it cost?
The boxes will be available at certain retail stores and online outlets that sell electronics. The government is offering coupons worth $40 toward the cost of a converter box, which will cost between $40 - $70. Be sure to shop around to find the best deal in your area or online. Also be sure to purchase them from an authorized dealer. (authorized dealers)

Coupons can be requested through March 31, 2009. The boxes should be available at the end of February, 2008.

There are a limited number of coupons available.

• They will be sent out on a first-come, first-served basis.
• There is 2 per household maximum.
• The coupons will expire three months after they are mailed so be sure the boxes are available before you request a coupon and that you make the box purchase within the three months.
• Coupons may not be combined for the purchase of a single box.

Coupons will not have any identifying information on them. You will not be asked to provide an ID to make a purchase using the coupon.

Summary and Contact Information

How do I install a converter box?
You may be wondering how to install a converter box once you purchase one. A website has been set up to assist you and walk you through the process with explanations and diagrams.

How to Install a Converter Box

How do I dispose of my old TV?
If you decide to purchase a new TV instead of purchasing a converter box, how should you dispose of it? It is important to consider the environmentally unfriendly option of taking it to the local landfill. Lead in the screens can seep into ground water. Sometimes used electronics, including TVs, are separated and sold to Third World countries where individuals burn off protective coverings to extract salvageable parts and metals. This process releases many hazardous materials into the air exposing anyone around to these toxins and polluting the air.

So, what should you do? Durham, Orange, and Wake* counties send their electronic waste to a company called Synergy. This company safely disassembles the products for re-use. (all except TVs for Wake*) TV recycling is expensive given the amount of reuseable components versus the expense of extracting them. Wake County eliminated TVs from the contract due to the expense, but may resume recycling of TVs when a new contract is negotiated for July of 2008. Disassembled parts from the TVs may still be sent overseas, but the likelihood of danger is lessened.

Durham	560-4186
Orange	968-2788
Wake	856-6186

Another option is to call the manufacturer of the TV. As corporate America becomes more environmentally aware, manufacturers are starting to implement re-use and re-cycle programs. See if they offer anything.

Websites and More Information

For additional information about the digital television transition, visit the following websites to become familiar with your options for making a smooth digital transition:

• www.dtvtransition.org
  a one-stop clearinghouse of consumer information and tools to manage the digital transition, hosted by the DTV Transition Coalition
• www.dtv.gov
  a government site offering comprehensive resources, including a consumer guide on what to look out for as the digital transition approaches
  • www.dtv.gov/shopgde.html
    shoppers guide for purchasing a new DTV
• www.dtvanswers.com
  the official site of the National Association of Broadcasters' digital television (DTV) transition campaign
• www.myceknowhow.com
  the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) offers this consumer site to help consumers understand various available equipment options
• www.ntia.doc.gov
  NTIA’s website provides information about the administration of the Converter Box Coupon Program
• www.ceretailers.org
  representing consumer electronics retailers, CERC (Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition) offers a Q & A about the transition as well as a consumer advisory alerting consumers to the cutoff date
• www.dtv.gov/whatisdtv.html
  provides an explanation of what digital television is all about
• www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/dtvcaptions.html
  information for those who need closed captioning and how this conversion might impact them

For more information about the Converter Box Coupon Program contact:

www.dtv2009.gov
1-888-DTV-2009

U.S. Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW
Room 4812
Washington DC 20230
Phone: 202-482-6260
Email: couponinfo@ntia.doc.gov
Website: http://www.ntia.doc.gov